S.A. Back in the Day: August 1968

What was going on in the Alamo City 45 years ago? Click through to find out.

By Compiled by Merrisa Brown, mySA.com

on July 31, 2013 11:00 PM

Photo: File photo

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We've combed through the San Antonio Light, San Antonio Express and San Antonio Evening News archives to bring you the best photos from the Alamo City 45 years ago, for the most part using the original photo captions, with exceptions to provide more information. Enjoy! Compiled by Merrisa Brown, mySA.com. less

We've combed through the San Antonio Light, San Antonio Express and San Antonio Evening News archives to bring you the best photos from the Alamo City 45 years ago, for the most part using the original photo ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News Photo Illustration

We've combed through the San Antonio Light, San Antonio... Photo-4986592.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Nimble David Cueva, top charro in Tony Aguilar's National Mexican Rodeo at HemisFair, performs the "floriando," a bit of trick and fancy riata twirling in anyone's language. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 2, 1968. less

Nimble David Cueva, top charro in Tony Aguilar's National Mexican Rodeo at HemisFair, performs the "floriando," a bit of trick and fancy riata twirling in anyone's language. Published in the San Antonio Express ... more

Numbers imprinted on the scene of the San Antonio Police parking lot indicate the sequence of shootings which killed Patrolman Richard Cuellar and 14-year-old Frank Barrientos. Cuellar was standing at No. 1 when he was shot. Before he collapsed Cuellar and Patrolman Jose Rodriguez stood at No. 2 and 3 firing at Barrientos, who had shot Cuellar. No. 4 (in black on building) indicates where Barrientos was slain. At No. 5, hours after the shootings, police officers go over the details. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 2, 1968. less

Numbers imprinted on the scene of the San Antonio Police parking lot indicate the sequence of shootings which killed Patrolman Richard Cuellar and 14-year-old Frank Barrientos. Cuellar was standing at No. 1 ... more

Photo: File Photo

Numbers imprinted on the scene of the San Antonio Police parking... Photo-4986685.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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The palm-sized Rohm .22-caliber pistol is the cheapest, easy-to-get deadly weapon around, according to local lawmen. Only a small portion of the pistols now reposing in the district attorney's vault are shown above. Officials say this imported weapon like this was used to kill San Antonio Police Officer Richard Cuellar. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 3, 1968. less

The palm-sized Rohm .22-caliber pistol is the cheapest, easy-to-get deadly weapon around, according to local lawmen. Only a small portion of the pistols now reposing in the district attorney's vault are shown ... more

Harry Neuse, who is blind, pushes his cart loaded with cold drinks and snacks for workers at Southern Steel Co., on one of his two daily rounds. The rest of the day he operates his snack bar at the plant, sweeping, cleaning, and restocking shelves — without the benefit of eyes or robust health. "A man needs a job," he said. "A reason for being. This, if nothing else." Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 3, 1968. less

Harry Neuse, who is blind, pushes his cart loaded with cold drinks and snacks for workers at Southern Steel Co., on one of his two daily rounds. The rest of the day he operates his snack bar at the plant, ... more

Juan "Chicago" Rodriguez, 63, is a familiar sight in front of the Gunter Hotel at Houston and St. Mary's streets, where he's been selling the Light every day for 36 years. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 4, 1968. less

Juan "Chicago" Rodriguez, 63, is a familiar sight in front of the Gunter Hotel at Houston and St. Mary's streets, where he's been selling the Light every day for 36 years. Published in the San Antonio Light ... more

Workmen fill the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery grave of 14-year-old Frank Barrientos, who killed San Antonio Police Officer Richard Cuellar. Both the Pentagon in Washington and the assistant superintendent of the national cemetery here said the youth was eligible for burial because he was a dependent of a military veteran. The youth's father, Daniel, served in World War II. "There are a lot of people who will not like this, but there is nothing we can do about it," said R.A. Lujan, assistant superintendent of the cemetery. More than a week later, Barrientos was disinterred from Fort Sam and buried again at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2. The youth was deemed ineligible for burial at Fort Sam after army officials discovered his father was convicted of robbery by assault and sentenced to six years in prison. Army regulations say that veterans or their dependents who are convicted of a felony carrying a penalty of five years or more do not qualify for burial rights. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 5, 1968. less

Workmen fill the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery grave of 14-year-old Frank Barrientos, who killed San Antonio Police Officer Richard Cuellar. Both the Pentagon in Washington and the assistant superintendent ... more

Slain policeman Richard Cuellar's body is carried to its final resting place at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 by fellow officers. Other officers who attended the funeral stand with hats and motorcycle helmets over their hearts. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 6, 1968. less

Slain policeman Richard Cuellar's body is carried to its final resting place at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 by fellow officers. Other officers who attended the funeral stand with hats and motorcycle helmets ... more

For smart campus wear this fall and winter, wardrobes for 1968-69 should include suits. Pert Patty Fisher, 17, of Providence High School, models this attractive two-piecer from Lenny's at North Star Mall. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 6, 1968. less

For smart campus wear this fall and winter, wardrobes for 1968-69 should include suits. Pert Patty Fisher, 17, of Providence High School, models this attractive two-piecer from Lenny's at North Star Mall. ... more

Photo: File Photo

For smart campus wear this fall and winter, wardrobes for 1968-69... Photo-4986694.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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The impressive U.S. Pavilion is one of the architectural wonders on the grounds of HemisFair. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 7, 1968.

The impressive U.S. Pavilion is one of the architectural wonders on the grounds of HemisFair. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 7, 1968.

Photo: File Photo

The impressive U.S. Pavilion is one of the architectural wonders on... Photo-4986693.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Danny McDonald, 10, may have San Antonio's oddest job of the summer. He's foster father to a baby wasp. He assumed the responsibility after knocking a wasps' nest from a tree near his home. The nest is now in Danny's room, and the little wasp sleeps either on the nest or on a wall. It flies around a lot in the room, settling down on Danny every now and then. Danny feeds it sugared water. He hasn't been stung by his strange pet yet. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 7, 1968. less

Danny McDonald, 10, may have San Antonio's oddest job of the summer. He's foster father to a baby wasp. He assumed the responsibility after knocking a wasps' nest from a tree near his home. The nest is now in ... more

Photo: File Photo

Danny McDonald, 10, may have San Antonio's oddest job of the... Photo-4986692.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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U.S. Rep. Wright Patman of Texarkana crowns pretty Judy Lynn Fritsche as "Miss Credit Union of Texas" at HemisFair. The Austin beauty was chosen from a field of 28 contestants during Credit Union Day at the fair. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 8, 1968. less

U.S. Rep. Wright Patman of Texarkana crowns pretty Judy Lynn Fritsche as "Miss Credit Union of Texas" at HemisFair. The Austin beauty was chosen from a field of 28 contestants during Credit Union Day at the ... more

Republican presidential nominee Richard M. Nixon was all smiles as he greeted fans at San Antonio International Airport before leaving for a rest and campaign planning in San Diego, Calif. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 11, 1968. less

Republican presidential nominee Richard M. Nixon was all smiles as he greeted fans at San Antonio International Airport before leaving for a rest and campaign planning in San Diego, Calif. Published in the San ... more

With the Tower of the Americas and the U.S. Confluence Theater in the background, Vice President and presidential hopeful Hubert H. Humphrey delivers his address at HemisFair. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 11, 1968. less

With the Tower of the Americas and the U.S. Confluence Theater in the background, Vice President and presidential hopeful Hubert H. Humphrey delivers his address at HemisFair. Published in the San Antonio Light ... more

Photo: File Photo

With the Tower of the Americas and the U.S. Confluence Theater in... Photo-4986688.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Roy Rogers whoops it up at HemisFair, ending the program with the cowboy star's old song signature, "Happy Trails to You." Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 14, 1968.

Roy Rogers whoops it up at HemisFair, ending the program with the cowboy star's old song signature, "Happy Trails to You." Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 14, 1968.

Photo: File Photo

Roy Rogers whoops it up at HemisFair, ending the program with the... Photo-4986724.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Richard Clark Palmer, 28, of West Stockbridge, Mass., sits meekly at San Antonio Police Headquarters after surrendering to Sgt. Richard May and turning in some $41,835. Earlier that day, a U.S. attorney in Massachusetts issued a fugitive arrest warrant for Palmer in connection with the loss of some $63,000 from the Pittsfield National Bank. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 15, 1968. less

Richard Clark Palmer, 28, of West Stockbridge, Mass., sits meekly at San Antonio Police Headquarters after surrendering to Sgt. Richard May and turning in some $41,835. Earlier that day, a U.S. attorney in ... more

Motorcyclists start their journey from San Antonio to Austin to protest a law requiring cyclists to wear helmets. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 16, 1968.

Motorcyclists start their journey from San Antonio to Austin to protest a law requiring cyclists to wear helmets. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 16, 1968.

Photo: File Photo

Motorcyclists start their journey from San Antonio to Austin to... Photo-4986722.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Toros running back Fred Frieling bulls his way up the middle for a four-yard grain in this first period action at Alamo Stadium. Frieling carried the two Omaha defenders for two extra yards. The Toros won 30-3. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 18, 1968. less

San Antonio Toros running back Fred Frieling bulls his way up the middle for a four-yard grain in this first period action at Alamo Stadium. Frieling carried the two Omaha defenders for two extra yards. The ... more

Photo: File Photo

San Antonio Toros running back Fred Frieling bulls his way up the... Photo-4986721.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Frank Espinosa, 26, was seriously burned when an explosion rocked his home in the 1600 block of W. Ashy Place. No one else was injured in the blast, which neighbors said sounded like a sonic boom. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 18, 1968. less

Frank Espinosa, 26, was seriously burned when an explosion rocked his home in the 1600 block of W. Ashy Place. No one else was injured in the blast, which neighbors said sounded like a sonic boom. Published in ... more

Louis Armstrong signs an autograph for Kathy Kennedy upon his arrival at San Antonio International Airport. Satchmo is in town to perform at HemisFair. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 19, 1968.

Louis Armstrong signs an autograph for Kathy Kennedy upon his arrival at San Antonio International Airport. Satchmo is in town to perform at HemisFair. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 19, 1968.

Julie Ketchum, a MacArthur High School senior, illustrates a proven method to beat the heat, these near-100 degree days. First, find a shady spot in the yard, then don a two-piece swimsuit. Find a reclining lawn chaise lounge. Next, build a tall, iced drink and turn on the garden hose. Finally, settle back in the chaise lounge, drink in one hand, and douse yourself with water from the hose with the other. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 19, 1968. less

Julie Ketchum, a MacArthur High School senior, illustrates a proven method to beat the heat, these near-100 degree days. First, find a shady spot in the yard, then don a two-piece swimsuit. Find a reclining ... more

Photo: File Photo

Julie Ketchum, a MacArthur High School senior, illustrates a proven... Photo-4986718.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Police Detective Investigator Lionel Kappelmann surveys the work of a safecracker at Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in the 2700 block of Fredericksburg Road. The loss was reportedly small. The store owner said the safecracker would have made more if he had worked as a yardman for the length of time it took him to open the safe. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 19, 1968. less

San Antonio Police Detective Investigator Lionel Kappelmann surveys the work of a safecracker at Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in the 2700 block of Fredericksburg Road. The loss was reportedly small. The store ... more

A.E. Kinder, 85, and Esther Davis, 65, are assisted after they crawled from their car after being struck by a 28-car Southern Pacific freight train at Fredericksburg Road and the SP tracks near Woodlawn Avenue. Although the train pushed their car some 130 feet, the two left the Santa Rosa Hospital without being treated. Police said the train was going about 18 miles per hour and that witnesses said a traffic signal at the crossing was working. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 22, 1968. less

A.E. Kinder, 85, and Esther Davis, 65, are assisted after they crawled from their car after being struck by a 28-car Southern Pacific freight train at Fredericksburg Road and the SP tracks near Woodlawn Avenue. ... more

Edward Blake, clerk at HemisFair's Lost and Found Department, is surrounded by a host of items turned in to the department. The department is overflowing with articles worth an estimated $100,000, and there's hardly room for anything else. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 22, 1968. less

Edward Blake, clerk at HemisFair's Lost and Found Department, is surrounded by a host of items turned in to the department. The department is overflowing with articles worth an estimated $100,000, and there's ... more

Photo: File Photo

Edward Blake, clerk at HemisFair's Lost and Found Department,... Photo-4986715.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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R.C. Forbes pipes a tune for Scottish dancers Karen Metcalf (from left), Nancy Forbes, Darla Griser and Dena Chambliss at the opening of HemisFair's three-day Scottish Festival. All are from Dallas. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 22, 1968. less

R.C. Forbes pipes a tune for Scottish dancers Karen Metcalf (from left), Nancy Forbes, Darla Griser and Dena Chambliss at the opening of HemisFair's three-day Scottish Festival. All are from Dallas. Published ... more

These San Antonio policemen (left) bent to their task in a tug-of-war with members of the San Antonio Toros professional football team (right). In uniform, the Toros have lost only one game in two years, but these huskies were blanked twice in a tug-of-war with members of the police department at HemisFair's Project Y. The cops averaged about 190 pounds, the mighty Toros about 240. There were eight men on each team. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 23, 1968. less

These San Antonio policemen (left) bent to their task in a tug-of-war with members of the San Antonio Toros professional football team (right). In uniform, the Toros have lost only one game in two years, but ... more

Photo: File Photo

These San Antonio policemen (left) bent to their task in a... Photo-4986713.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Paul Coan touches one of the corn stalks which is nearly 14 feet high in his back yard in the 800 block of Porter. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 23, 1968.

Paul Coan touches one of the corn stalks which is nearly 14 feet high in his back yard in the 800 block of Porter. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 23, 1968.

Photo: File Photo

Paul Coan touches one of the corn stalks which is nearly 14 feet... Photo-4986712.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Mayor W.W. McAllister, representing the clan McAllister at the Grand Tartan Ball staged by the Scottish Society of San Antonio, tries his hand at the bagpipes. The mayor admitted he wasn't too successful with the pipes, but noted it was his first effort. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 24, 1968. less

Mayor W.W. McAllister, representing the clan McAllister at the Grand Tartan Ball staged by the Scottish Society of San Antonio, tries his hand at the bagpipes. The mayor admitted he wasn't too successful with ... more

Fall fashions from Malcolm Starr and Anne Fogarty will be in the spotlight during the benefit "Gotham Gala" to be staged by the San Antonio Junior League in the San Antonio Country Club. Styled for the social season ahead is Carol's gold-woven paisley chiffon dinner dress (left), belted in jewel-accented gold braid, a Starr design. Sheryl models Miss Fogarty's "golden girl" shirtdress in laminated gold foil with rhinestone-studded belt and a "Maharani" necklace. Proceeds will go to the League's Rummage Sale fund for community welfare. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 25, 1968. less

Fall fashions from Malcolm Starr and Anne Fogarty will be in the spotlight during the benefit "Gotham Gala" to be staged by the San Antonio Junior League in the San Antonio Country Club. Styled for the social ... more

Photo: File Photo

Fall fashions from Malcolm Starr and Anne Fogarty will be in the... Photo-4986710.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Posed against the stairway at the San Antonio Country Club, two San Antonio professional models, Patti (left) and Faith, show exciting fashions from designers Malcolm Starr and Anne Fogarty collections to be importantly featured in Frost's style show at the Gotham Gala. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 25, 1968. less

Posed against the stairway at the San Antonio Country Club, two San Antonio professional models, Patti (left) and Faith, show exciting fashions from designers Malcolm Starr and Anne Fogarty collections to be ... more

Photo: File Photo

Posed against the stairway at the San Antonio Country Club, two San... Photo-4986728.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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A weeping Mrs. Julian Salazar holds her fatally injured son, Antonio, 13, who was struck by a car while riding a pony on FM 2536 near his home. The pony was also killed. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 25, 1968. less

A weeping Mrs. Julian Salazar holds her fatally injured son, Antonio, 13, who was struck by a car while riding a pony on FM 2536 near his home. The pony was also killed. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. ... more

Continental Airlines honored its "International Queen of Flight," Miss Esther Martinez, with a poolside breakfast at La Posada. This month the airline hostess is touring the Southwest aiding a program to recruit girls of Hispanic descent as hostesses for her company. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 28, 1968. less

Continental Airlines honored its "International Queen of Flight," Miss Esther Martinez, with a poolside breakfast at La Posada. This month the airline hostess is touring the Southwest aiding a program to ... more

San Antonio Fireman Tony Patino Jr. tastes sauce for the barbecue which will be served at the annual cookout sponsored by the Firemen's Welfare Association at Comanche Park. Published in the San Antonio Light Aug. 28, 1968. less

San Antonio Fireman Tony Patino Jr. tastes sauce for the barbecue which will be served at the annual cookout sponsored by the Firemen's Welfare Association at Comanche Park. Published in the San Antonio Light ... more

School bells were ringing in Bexar County and these Samuel Clemens High School students don't look exactly cheerful about it. They are Zaragoza Perez (from left), Darleen Byrom, Paula Riegel and Jim Wolverton. Students in the Schertz-Cibolo District had the honor of leading off the back to school march. Most school districts will wait until the day after Labor Day to hit the books. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 28, 1968. less

School bells were ringing in Bexar County and these Samuel Clemens High School students don't look exactly cheerful about it. They are Zaragoza Perez (from left), Darleen Byrom, Paula Riegel and Jim Wolverton. ... more

Photo: File Photo

School bells were ringing in Bexar County and these Samuel Clemens... Photo-4986737.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Marty Franklin of San Francisco goes through the ropes in the fourth round during a boxing match against Manuel Ramos, Mexico City's fifth-ranked heavyweight, at Municipal Auditorium. Ramos won the bout. Published in the San Antonio News Aug. 28, 1968. less

Marty Franklin of San Francisco goes through the ropes in the fourth round during a boxing match against Manuel Ramos, Mexico City's fifth-ranked heavyweight, at Municipal Auditorium. Ramos won the bout. ... more

Photo: File Photo

Marty Franklin of San Francisco goes through the ropes in the... Photo-4986736.67370 - San Antonio Express-News

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Maj. Harold H. Blackshear accepts the titles to seven new Dodge Chargers he won as first prize in the Dr. Pepper CHARGE! Get Goin' Again Sweepstakes national contest from John Simmons, Dr. Pepper vice president. Maj. Blackshear said he'll keep one of the cars for his wife and sell the others to reduce the debt on his home. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 29, 1968. less

Maj. Harold H. Blackshear accepts the titles to seven new Dodge Chargers he won as first prize in the Dr. Pepper CHARGE! Get Goin' Again Sweepstakes national contest from John Simmons, Dr. Pepper vice ... more

San Diego halfback Jim Tolbert (43) breaks up the middle on a kickoff return following Denver's field goal in their exhibition game at Alamo Stadium. Charger linemen Bob Briggs (68) and Harold Akin (71) help clear the way by taking out Bronco linebacker Frank Richter (58). Tolbert eluded Denver's Curly Culp (66) to make it back to the Charger 28-yard line, but the return was nullified by a clipping penalty. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 31, 1968. less

San Diego halfback Jim Tolbert (43) breaks up the middle on a kickoff return following Denver's field goal in their exhibition game at Alamo Stadium. Charger linemen Bob Briggs (68) and Harold Akin (71) help ... more

The HemisFair gorilla, who loves to chase children and cuddle pretty girls, was in rare form when he discovered Glenda Brown, one of the new hostesses at the Arkansas Pavilion. Published in the San Antonio Express Aug. 31, 1968. less

The HemisFair gorilla, who loves to chase children and cuddle pretty girls, was in rare form when he discovered Glenda Brown, one of the new hostesses at the Arkansas Pavilion. Published in the San Antonio ... more

Photo: File Photo

The HemisFair gorilla, who loves to chase children and cuddle... Photo-4986729.67370 - San Antonio Express-News